Pop-up windows, good or bad?

I've completely rewritten a site that has a table of 60ish club venues
giving contact details and addresses. I originally had the addresses set
to create a pop-up window with a google map giving directions to the
venue etc.

On rewriting the site, I've now got the maps to open in the same window.
The clients say they prefer the original method, yet with the
proliferation of pop-up blockers etc this may cause problems in the future.

I also note that the general concensus of opinion is that unwanted
pop-ups are bad, so should I continue with pop-up maps, but ecxplicitly
state "this link will open a pop-up window" or words to that effect.

James

Re: Pop-up windows, good or bad?

James Hutton wrote:
> I've completely rewritten a site that has a table of 60ish club venues
> giving contact details and addresses. I originally had the addresses set
> to create a pop-up window with a google map giving directions to the
> venue etc.
>
> On rewriting the site, I've now got the maps to open in the same window.
> The clients say they prefer the original method, yet with the
> proliferation of pop-up blockers etc this may cause problems in the future.
>
> I also note that the general concensus of opinion is that unwanted
> pop-ups are bad, so should I continue with pop-up maps, but ecxplicitly
> state "this link will open a pop-up window" or words to that effect.

Been argued to death. You cannot go wrong by your current method and
your users have have to option to open in a new window or tab with
right-click or ctrl-clicking your links...


--
Take care,

Jonathan
-------------------
LITTLE WORKS STUDIO
http://www.LittleWorksStudio.com

Re: Pop-up windows, good or bad?

James Hutton wrote:

> On rewriting the site, I've now got the maps to open in the same window.
> The clients say they prefer the original method, yet with the
> proliferation of pop-up blockers etc this may cause problems in the future.

Usually the pop-up blockers blocks the pop-ups that are automatically made
like by javascript that is executed during the load of the page or pop-ups
generated by flash.

A javascript executed by pressing a link is usually allowed, so as long as you
don't use "evil-code" to open your pop-ups, I wouldn't bee too much worried.

> I also note that the general concensus of opinion is that unwanted
> pop-ups are bad, so should I continue with pop-up maps, but ecxplicitly
> state "this link will open a pop-up window" or words to that effect.

I would think that is a bit of bad design if you have to state that a link
will open a pop-up.

In a way I agree with Jonathan, most browsers nowadays do give you options of
opening a link in a new window or tab when clicking on it with the middle
mouse button, so maybe you shouldn't redesign your site again and just tell
the complaining users to know of the option of opening a link in a new window/tab.

--

//Aho

Re: Pop-up windows, good or bad?

J.O. Aho wrote:
> James Hutton wrote:
>
>> On rewriting the site, I've now got the maps to open in the same window.
>> The clients say they prefer the original method, yet with the
>> proliferation of pop-up blockers etc this may cause problems in the future.
>
> Usually the pop-up blockers blocks the pop-ups that are automatically made
> like by javascript that is executed during the load of the page or pop-ups
> generated by flash.
>
> A javascript executed by pressing a link is usually allowed, so as long as you
> don't use "evil-code" to open your pop-ups, I wouldn't bee too much worried.
>

(Internet) Exploder, son of Grand Daddy, blocks all needed pop-up
windows while allowing spurious ones to open. Try Yahoo games, for instance.

Re: Pop-up windows, good or bad?

In article ,
James Hutton wrote:

> I've completely rewritten a site that has a table of 60ish club venues
> giving contact details and addresses. I originally had the addresses set
> to create a pop-up window with a google map giving directions to the
> venue etc.
>
> On rewriting the site, I've now got the maps to open in the same window.
> The clients say they prefer the original method,

You could give an alternative.

• (popup
  window)

Re: Pop-up windows, good or bad?

James Hutton wrote:
> I've completely rewritten a site that has a table of 60ish club venues
> giving contact details and addresses. I originally had the addresses
> set to create a pop-up window with a google map giving directions to
> the venue etc.
>
> On rewriting the site, I've now got the maps to open in the same
> window. The clients say they prefer the original method, yet with the
> proliferation of pop-up blockers etc this may cause problems in the
> future.
> I also note that the general concensus of opinion is that unwanted
> pop-ups are bad, so should I continue with pop-up maps, but
> ecxplicitly state "this link will open a pop-up window" or words to
> that effect.
> James

Use a popup floating div and some dynamic HTML instead. When styled just right
almost indistinguishable from a separate window, but not subjected to popup
blocking. Would require scripting be enabled though.